Applications Made Easy: Resume Guide

Start with your contact info

This one might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people leave off key information or format the header poorly. Here are a few best practices:

• Make your name big and bold at the top. Use a simple, readable font. Color is fine too—but if you use color on your resume, stick to one accent color throughout.
• Use a professional email address and double check that you’ve spelled it correctly. Do you have a funny email like kittykat5000@yahoo or markusiskool@gmail? Time to upgrade to a new account for your applications. Use your name if possible.
• Add a phone number and double check it.
• If you have a LinkedIn page, you can add that. Or if you created a portfolio for a class, you can link to that too.

Showcase your skills and accomplishments first

You’ve probably seen resumes that start with education or work experience first. That works great for some folks, but we really like a skills section on top. This lets you highlight specific experiences, skills, awards and languages right up front. 

Don’t make the reader dig for the gold in your resume—hand it right to them.

What to include in your skills section

This is your chance to show the things that most qualify you for the program or job. Pull skills you’ve gained from your education, volunteer experiences or paid work.

• Do you speak more than one language? Add it!
• Proud of your impeccable Microsoft Office Suite abilities? This is the place to list it.
• Have experience planning field trips and managing students? Tell it!

Education is second—or third

Whether you have a degree, are currently working on a degree or are just getting started, you’ll want to list your education. If you have a recent degree, including your high school diploma, you can put your education as the second part of your resume. If you graduated several years ago, you can move this below your experience section.

What to include in your education section

• List your most recent degree first, including any degrees in progress.
• Choose two or three bullets to add below, to highlight anything you think is important.
• Include relevant coursework, clubs or activities, academic awards or recognitions, research projects, etc.

Experience is paid work and more

Every work experience you’ve had has prepared you for this moment. This section of your resume should tell that story. And yes, volunteer work is work!

What to include in your experience section

• For your paid work, you don’t need to list everything you do. Pick four or five accomplishments or responsibilities that you want to highlight.
• If you list volunteer experience, show how it’s relevant. If you’ve volunteered with students at a school, church or other community organization, that’s definitely relevant.
• For older positions, one or two bullets will do it.